Patrick Kilkenny and Ron Peterson Honored at Pioneer Award Gala
On Friday, May 13, under the same stars that guided the original pioneers, alumni and friends honored Ron Peterson of Portland and Pat Kilkenny of San Diego during the annual Pioneer Award Gala.
The Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have been willing to lead rather than follow and take risks rather than see opportunities pass. Inaugurated in 1979, the Pioneer Award has been presented to individuals who lead their communities and states in business, philanthropy, communication, politics, and the arts-qualities that both Peterson and Kilkenny possess.
Recognized for their leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, Peterson and Kilkenny were presented with the Pioneer Award by UO president Richard W. Lariviere at the Nines Hotel in downtown Portland.
Speakers included Phil Knight, chairman of Nike and former recipient, the Rev. Dr. William Lupfer, Dean Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Charles Kobin and Pat Sweeney.
“Nineteen years of quiet philanthropy to the homeless and addicted reveals an important part of the Petersons’ heart towards our entire community,” said Rob Howells, director of development at Union Gospel Mission. Peterson’s untiring, hands-on approach to community service has improved the lives of 10s of thousands. From providing wheelchairs to those in need to feeding the elderly and sheltering the homeless, he is beloved for his generous support and personal involvement with numerous agencies and organizations, including his alma mater.
Kilkenny has enhanced our community through his tireless enthusiasm and compassion. He served as the university’s athletic director and donated his entire salary to support several academic programs and scholarships for low-income students. Through his leadership, UO Athletics gained a higher profile on the national stage, reinstated baseball and built new stadiums for baseball and basketball. Although his success in athletics shines brightly, many see the breadth of Kilkenny’s impact on our community as a whole.
“Pat Kilkenny’s true profession wasn’t insurance executive or athletic administrator. Through his willingness to dare, to lead, to inspire and believe in the true potential of the human spirit, his true profession has been life changer,” said Joe Giansante UO senior associate athletic director.
Pat and his wife, Stephanie, founded the Lucky Duck Foundation, which is committed to improving communities through the leadership and actions of volunteers. Such generosity and spirit has placed both Kilkenny and Peterson in the great company of past recipients such as Randy and Susie Papé, James F. Rippey, and Lynn Frohnmayer.
As close friends and family delighted in celebrating Peterson and Kilkenny, the night was filled with congratulatory remarks, moving tales of how each recipient exudes pioneering spirit and warmth. The true success of the night rests in ensuring that future generations will benefit from the Presidential Scholarship Program at the UO. Introduced in 1983, the program was established to encourage Oregon’s most talented and promising high school graduates to attend the UO. Subsequently the net proceeds from the past 17 Pioneer Award Galas have funded the Pioneer Award Presidential Scholarship endowment. Five students were awarded the scholarship this year. They have been provided with full in-state tuition, renewable for up to four years. The scholarship recipients attend the Robert D. Clark Honors College majoring in everything from German and international studies to environmental studies and planning. With each student given the opportunity to study at the UO, thanks to the Pioneer Award Presidential Scholarship endowment, a life is changed for good.